Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, has appointed Haworth Tompkins to design the next phase of its regeneration of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking.
Gascoigne West Phase 3 will see the delivery of a further 137 high-quality new homes and public landscape spaces as part of one of London’s largest regeneration projects. Sustainability is a key focus of the design brief, with the target of creating an operationally net zero development. Central to achieving this will be Haworth Tompkins’ fabric first approach to designing the new homes, targeting low space heating and energy demand guided by Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) and Passivhaus principles.
Community engagement has played a vital role in shaping the development so far, and this phase will continue to build on the extensive consultation carried out to date. Creating a positive sense of community is a core objective of the entire Gascoigne neighbourhood redevelopment and will be at the heart of Haworth Tompkins’ designs for Gascoigne West Phase 3.
The scheme incudes a new permanent public park, building on the success of the meanwhile Phoenix Park, created on the site which has become so well-loved. It is currently being co-designed with local residents led by Citizens Design Bureau, with wider landscape improvements including Abbey Road and Hardwicke Street by LDA Design. The development will also be car free, with the exception of disabled parking provision, to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.
Tim Porter, Be First’s Director of Delivery, comments: “We’re delighted to have awarded the contract for the design of Gascoigne West Phase 3 to Haworth Tompkins. During the bid process, we were impressed by the practice’s approach to stitching together the new development and the existing buildings around the site’s edges, as well as their management of the site’s complexities which include a number of mature trees. Integration with the existing community is key, so ensuring that the old and new mesh together, and that the site’s landscape and architecture are treated holistically, is critical for us.”
Sarah Firth, Associate, Haworth Tompkins comments: “We are excited to be working with Be First on the third phase of the Gascoigne West masterplan and be part of the landmark redevelopment of the Gascoigne neighbourhood.
“The scheme focusses on improving the local streetscape, including opening up new connections and greening of routes that link together various neighbourhoods within the estate, earlier phases of the masterplan, and the nearby River Roding. Sustainable, future proof and healthy design sits at the heart of the design approach and Be First’s design aspirations.”
While this project marks Haworth Tompkins first involvement in the Gascoigne neighbourhood regeneration, the practice has recently worked with Be First on the revolutionary Industria – the UK’s first multi-storey light industrial development which opened earlier this month.
